Every winter, the United States suffers a seasonal flu that kills approximately 36,000 people and hospitalizes more than 200,000. But as terrible as those statistics are, health experts warn of a far more lethal kind of flu that could occur by mid-century -- a pandemic flu that could kill more than half a million Americans, hospitalize more than two million and cost our economy a staggering $70 billion to $160 billion in lost productivity and direct medical expenses.

During 2006 and 2007, Pew invested in two projects to help ensure that our country is prepared for a flu pandemic or similar public health emergency: The Pandemic Preparedness Initiative and The Promising Practices project.

Our Work

Report

April 28, 2009

It's Not Flu As Usual

Every winter, the US suffers a seasonal flu that kills approximately 36,000 Americans and hospitalizes more than 200,000 Terrible as that is, health experts are now warning about a far more lethal kind of...

Press Releases & Statements

October 17, 2007

Report Finds Major Gaps Exist in U.S. Pediatric Pandemic Preparations

A report finds children and teens account for 46 percent of bird flu cases, and identifies gaps in US preparedness for treating children during pandemic flu outbreaks.

Report

October 17, 2007

Pandemic Influenza: Warning, Children At Risk

Scientists around the globe have been warning about the risk of a potential pandemic influenza outbreak Pandemic flu is caused by a new, severe strain of the flu virus capable of producing severe disease...